Shingles treatment

Self-treatment of shingles is not recommended, as it can cause severe complications in the future. Treatment involves taking antiviral drugs and using external agents (ointments, creams).

Shingles, also known as Zoster virus or herpes zoster, is an acute infectious disease that affects the nervous system and skin. The disease affects people who have previously had chickenpox (varicella), after which viral particles remain in the body in a "dormant" state. The reason for the activation of the virus is a weakened immune system as a result of chronic diseases, HIV, chemotherapy, etc.

The virus causes inflammation of the nervous system and the skin associated with it. At first, red spots appear on the skin, which eventually turn into blisters. A few days before the skin is affected, severe pain begins at the site of the lesion (burning, itching, numbness, tingling). Pain appears at the site of the nerve lesion, usually increasing at night. The strength of the pain depends on the degree of nerve damage. During this period (until the skin rash appears), it is almost impossible to establish a correct diagnosis. Usually, on the 2nd-3rd day, rashes begin to appear on the skin. From this period, the patient poses a danger to others, especially to those who have not had chickenpox.

Immunomodulators are also used for treatment, which correct and increase the body's defenses. Superficial treatment, aimed only at treating the skin, does not help in eliminating pain, the causes of the disease and can lead to herpes infection. Among the complications, the most common are intercostal neuralgia (severe pain when moving), meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the membrane of the brain), purulent formations in places of skin lesions.

Effective Treatment for Shingles

Treatment for shingles includes taking:

• antiviral drugs
• immunomodulators
• painkillers (ganglion blockers)
• drugs aimed at eliminating concomitant diseases (if any).

To avoid neuralgic complications, treatment should be started as early as possible, preferably in the first 2 days. Currently, there are several antiviral drugs that successfully block the reproduction of the virus in the human body.

At a young age, treatment of shingles is usually limited to taking antiviral drugs and painkillers, and in about two weeks, complete recovery occurs. Patients over 50 years old, people with reduced immunity, pregnant women are at greater risk, since the development of the virus can cause severe complications, so special treatment is needed here. When the first signs of the disease appear, you must immediately consult a doctor, regardless of age, health condition, etc.

Based on the clinical picture, the doctor prescribes one antiviral drug (Famciclovir, Acyclovir, etc.). The drug can be either in the form of tablets or intravenous injections. Modern drugs not only destroy the virus at the cellular level, but also reduce pain and promote faster healing of the skin. To prevent secondary infection, external agents in the form of ointments, creams, solutions are used. To relieve itching, you can apply an ice pack made from chamomile infusion to the affected area. The duration of treatment, dosage is determined by the doctor individually for each patient. On average, treatment takes about a week. During the treatment period, it is contraindicated to take a bath, use soap and gels with caution (especially on the affected areas of the skin). Ultraviolet radiation should be especially avoided at this time, since ultraviolet light provokes the growth and reproduction of the virus.

It is important during this period to increase the body's defenses. Therefore, it is advisable to take immunomodulators. You should also pay attention to your diet, eat foods with a high content of vitamin C (broccoli, spinach, citrus fruits, cranberries). After the acute phase of the disease has passed, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy procedures.

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Shingles Treatment Scheme

Self-treatment of shingles is not recommended, as severe complications may develop. It has been scientifically proven that treatment must necessarily include taking antiviral drugs. Treatment of only external manifestations of shingles is insufficient, since all symptoms of the disease are not removed, in particular, pain remains. In addition, superficial treatment does not prevent severe neuralgic complications of the disease. All antiviral drugs are prescription drugs, so they can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.

The treatment regimen for shingles includes taking antiviral, painkillers, and immunomodulatory agents. If there are concomitant diseases, the doctor may also prescribe treatment. If after the course of treatment the pain syndrome remains (observed in 10-15% of cases), it means that postherpetic neuralgia has begun to develop. In this case, a consultation with a neurologist and treatment with tebantin or amitriptyline are necessary. It is also possible to use special patches (versatis) locally. Antiviral drugs are no longer effective when the postherpetic reaction has already begun, since their purpose is to prevent the development of severe neuralgia.

Famvir is more effective today. Usually 3 tablets are prescribed per day, the course of treatment is 7 days. The drug quickly prevents the reproduction of the virus in the body, reduces pain. Earlier use of the drug allows to avoid the development of a severe neurological reaction. The drug is longer in the nerve cells, compared to other drugs, and better protects them from the harmful effects of the virus.

Less effective is the drug "Valacyclovir". Its action is almost the same as "Famvir". Other schemes for the treatment of shingles with acyclovir (intravenously or in tablets) are also used. Together with taking medications, the treatment of the affected areas of the skin with special solutions, ointments, creams is prescribed. Skin rashes are treated with special antibacterial ointments and solutions (solcoseryl, castellani solution or brilliant green, etc.)

Medical treatment of shingles

Drug treatment of shingles has long been the subject of controversy and disagreement. Data on the effectiveness of drug therapy in the acute and post-herpetic period are contradictory. Post-herpetic neuralgia develops mainly in people over 50 years old, accompanied by prolonged severe pain in the areas of nerve damage. Taking acyclovir in the first 3 days after the appearance of a rash on the body reduces the intensity of pain, and also promotes faster healing of the skin. The effectiveness of Valaciclovir is no less than that of acyclovir.

Famciclovir promotes faster healing of affected skin areas, but does not affect the pain syndrome in the acute period. According to the conducted mathematical analysis, acyclovir reduces pain in the post-herpetic period (approximately six months after recovery) at the site of the rash in 46% of cases. Taking Famciclovir reduces the duration of the post-herpetic period in elderly patients, but does not affect the frequency in any way. According to another study, taking Famciclovir in the first 2 days after the appearance of the rash reduces the development of post-herpetic neuralgia (in comparison with acyclovir). Taking vacyclovir reduces the frequency of post-herpetic neuralgia by 6% in comparison with acyclovir.

In general, the effect of the drugs does not differ significantly. The new generation drugs are more convenient for patients, since they are taken a little less often.

The use of glucocorticoids (steroid hormones) to prevent neuralgia is more controversial. A large-scale study was conducted involving more than three hundred patients. One group received acyclovir, the other acyclovir and prednisolone. According to the study, the difference was insignificant, and the incidence of postherpetic reaction was approximately equal in both groups.

Medicines for the treatment of shingles

Recently, the most effective remedy in the fight against shingles is considered to be "Famvir" (famciclovir) (from 200 UAH) - an antiviral drug, Swiss production, this drug is a prescription drug and can be purchased at a pharmacy only with a doctor's prescription. A weekly course of taking the drug allows you to suppress the manifestation of the zoster virus in the body faster, in comparison with other drugs. The action of the drug is aimed at blocking the enzyme responsible for reproduction. It also has an analgesic effect, both during the disease and in the post-herpetic period. Early administration of the drug (in the first 2-3 days after the onset of rashes on the body) reduces the risk of developing neuralgic complications. The active substance of Famvir remains in nerve cells longer and protects them from damage by the virus.

"Valacyclovir" is the second most effective drug for treating shingles. The drug is produced by an English company, the price is around 100-150 UAH.

Acyclovir is a domestic drug, the price of tablets is around 15 UAH. It is prescribed in the form of tablets or intravenous injections, in combination with a vitamin complex. In terms of effectiveness, the drug is not inferior to its foreign "brothers" and often treatment is based on acyclovir.

Treatment of shingles with ointment

Treating shingles with external agents alone is ineffective. To achieve complete recovery, it is necessary to destroy the virus inside the body with antiviral drugs. External treatment is used in combination to achieve maximum results.

Alpizarin, epervudine, acyclovir (ointment), and interferon are used as external agents.

Alpizarin ointment has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.

Acyclovir and epervudine ointments have excellent antiviral action, especially against the herpes virus.

Interferon, in addition to antiviral, anti-inflammatory effects, also has immunomodulatory properties. It is known that the herpes zoster virus occurs as a result of failures in the immune system, so it is very important to pay attention to increasing the body's defenses during treatment.

Antiseptic preparations prescribed for chickenpox (varicella) are well suited for external use - brilliant green solution (zelenka), castellan. These products have a drying, antimicrobial effect.

Treatment of herpes zoster with acyclovir

The use of acyclovir during the treatment of shingles reduces skin rashes, promotes rapid crust formation, has an analgesic and immunomodulatory effect, and also reduces the risk of complications. Treatment of herpes zoster with acyclovir is carried out by intravenous administration, oral medication (tablets) and locally (ointment).

Acyclovir in tablet form is used for children over 2 years old and adults, usually 4 tablets are prescribed 5 times a day. The average course of treatment is 7 days, and in each specific case is determined by the doctor individually for each patient.

Intravenous administration of the drug is prescribed to adults and children over 12 years of age. The drug diluted with sodium chloride must be administered very slowly or an IV must be used. If the patient has impaired renal function (mainly in old age), the dose must be reduced.

When taking the tablets, some side effects are possible in the form of diarrhea, headaches, nausea, fatigue, allergies. The drug is not used in case of intolerance to any components. The use of the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully studied, so during this period the drug is used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Treatment of shingles on the face

Shingles has various forms of manifestation, can occur in almost any nerve process, but in terms of severity and frequency of manifestation, a special place is occupied by the development of infection on the face. This is due to the peculiarities of the trigeminal nerve. The first signs of shingles are severe pain in the eye, ear, jaw (along the nerve endings). The condition worsens with nausea, fatigue, fever. Most often, incorrect diagnoses are made before the characteristic rash appears. Sometimes the rash does not appear much longer, which can cause a protracted process, with damage to the cornea of the eye. Rashes are typical along the trigeminal nerve: on the mucous membrane of the eye, eyelids, nose, etc. To relieve the symptoms of the disease, antiviral ointments are used (for example, idoxurudin). If the rash affects the eyeball, the ointment is placed inside the eyelid. To reduce the combat syndrome and inflammation, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroids (cortisone, corticotropin). The ocular form of shingles is the most severe of all, incorrect or untimely treatment can lead to vision loss. If severe pain in the auricles, rash in the external auditory canal, around the ears, accompanied by a general deterioration in health and fever - the ear form of shingles is diagnosed, which can lead to hearing defects. Treatment of shingles on the face is almost the same as for other forms: taking antiviral, immunomodulatory and painkillers, local treatment in the form of ointments, lotions. Treatment should be started in the first days after the rash appears.

Folk remedies for shingles

Treating shingles with folk remedies can be effective, especially when combined with traditional medicine. First of all, you need to destroy the virus in the body to stop further spread. In this case, medicinal burdock tea will do a good job. To prepare it, you need to pour a glass of boiling water over a crushed teaspoon of common burdock. Let it brew for about 20 minutes, after which the drink is ready to drink. To improve the taste, you can add honey.

For external use, you can prepare a tincture of immortelle: brew a teaspoon of dry grass with a glass of boiling water, wrap it up and let it brew for an hour. This tincture should be used to wipe the affected areas twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening, and it is best to use a sterile bandage or gauze. A similar tincture for wiping can be prepared from dry mint leaves: 1 tbsp of grass per glass of boiling water, hold for 20 minutes in a steam bath and lubricate the skin.

An aloe compress heals the skin well and promotes a speedy recovery: wash a wide leaf, cut it in half, and attach it to the wounds overnight. This procedure should be carried out every day.

For a drying effect, it is recommended to use fried onion: peel the onion and hold it over the fire until it browns, apply the slightly warm onion to the blisters, after it has completely cooled, cut off the slice and repeat.

To increase the body's defenses, it is recommended to take a tincture of echinacea or willow bark. Echinacea tincture can be freely purchased at a pharmacy, and you can prepare it yourself from willow bark: 1 tbsp. dry bark per glass of boiling water, leave for 1 hour. Take the tincture according to the following scheme: ¾ glass, before meals 3 times a day.

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Treating Shingles with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural product, the healing properties of which have been known since ancient times and have been successfully used to improve the health of the body. But for successful treatment, it is necessary to follow certain conditions for using this product: strictly follow the recipe you have chosen for treatment, and also know whether you have any contraindications for use (intolerance to the product, allergic reactions, etc.)

Apple cider vinegar is an acid produced naturally (by fermenting apples with oxygen and vinegar bacteria).

Treating shingles with apple cider vinegar is not only quite simple and effective, but also the most common. It is recommended to treat the affected areas of the skin with undiluted apple cider vinegar 3-4 times a day, if itching and discomfort cause discomfort at night, you can also do the procedure. After lubrication, after about 10 minutes, the itching goes away, and after a few days the disease should completely go away. Despite the high effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in the treatment of skin diseases, you should not treat shingles with it alone. As mentioned, the treatment of shingles is to suppress the virus inside the body, so it is advisable to combine external use of apple cider vinegar with taking antiviral drugs.

Treatment of shingles in children

Shingles in childhood may occur as a result of decreased immunity and infection with the Varicella-Zoster virus. Infection may occur from an infected person with whom the child has been in contact. The onset of the disease before the age of 10 is extremely rare. The routes of transmission of the infection are airborne or contact-household. An increase in the incidence is observed in the cold season, but most often the disease is accidental. Shingles is transmitted through contact with a sick person. Primary infection with the Varicella-Zoster virus may be latent, when the virus settles in nerve cells and remains inactive until a certain point. The virus is contained by T-lymphocytes, the weakening of which is provoked by severe diseases, malignant tumors, HIV infection, etc. The short period between the primary infection and the awakening of the virus in children is due to chronic herpes zoster infection in children, which primarily severely affects the nervous tissue.

In children, the disease begins to manifest itself in the first hours. Often there is a high temperature, weakness, headache, nausea (sometimes vomiting occurs). At the same time, pain and itching occur in the affected area. After a few days, swelling and blisters appear (after about a week, the blisters dry up and crusts form - from this moment the patient does not pose a danger to others, sometimes the blister can burst, then erosive conditions form on the skin). For the most part, skin lesions are limited to one or two foci.

Treatment of herpes zoster in children should begin in the first three days of the disease, the duration of treatment is about 7 days. Intravenous acyclovir is an effective treatment for herpes zoster. The earlier treatment with acyclovir is started, the lower the risk of complications. The drug also has a good analgesic effect, promotes the formation of crusts, and prevents the risk of complications. Children with low immunity, if the disease is mild, are prescribed acyclovir in tablet form. Immunoglobulin is used for antiviral therapy for the treatment of herpes zoster in children. Antibacterial ointments containing acyclovir or interferon are used in combination with antiviral drugs. To reduce pain, painkillers, tranquilizers, novocaine blockades, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

Treatment of shingles during pregnancy

Women who have the shingles virus in their blood (i.e. have had chickenpox before) are at the highest risk of developing the infection during pregnancy. Moreover, the development of the virus in the body of a pregnant woman can occur without characteristic symptoms. With hidden symptoms, the woman remains a mystery about the freezing of fetal development or miscarriage. The development of the shingles virus during pregnancy for the surviving child can threaten an increased risk of abnormal development of hearing, vision, the nervous system, and the brain. The development of the disease is provoked by pregnancy, since it is known that during this period the woman's body's defenses are significantly reduced and the virus first manifests itself in the mother's body, then gets into the amniotic fluid, which is absorbed by the future baby.

The initial manifestation of the virus is characterized by general weakness, fever, headache, itching, burning, pain in the affected area. After a couple of days, pink spots appear, which eventually fill with fluid. During pregnancy, the virus can provoke an increase in lymph nodes, which are located near the affected nerve cells. Treatment of herpes zoster during pregnancy usually follows the usual scheme in this case. Antiviral, painkillers of general and local action are prescribed. All drugs during pregnancy should be used only as prescribed by a doctor and in each specific case are determined depending on the severity of the disease. Acyclovir (in the form of injections, tablets, ointment) is usually used for treatment.

The treatment of a pregnant woman should be carried out by a specialist monitoring the course of pregnancy, the selection and dosage of drugs is a rather complex process, in which it is important not to make a mistake so that there are no consequences for either the mother or her future baby. In addition to antiviral and painkillers, the doctor can prescribe drugs aimed at increasing the body's defenses. In case of illness of the mother, an ultrasound of the fetus is prescribed for the early detection of possible complications and developmental defects.

Treatment of shingles is currently quite successful. The complications caused by the infection are practically reduced to a minimum, thanks to modern drugs that quickly stop the reproduction of the virus in the body, which also have a good pain-relieving effect. No one is immune from the disease, it can occur at almost any age, regardless of gender. The risk group includes pregnant women, the elderly, people with a weakened immune system (HIV-infected, cancer patients, etc.).